September 17, 2026
SBCC’s School of Extended Learning Hosts Three End-of-Year Events to Inform, Enlighten
SANTA BARBARA, Calif., September 17, 2026 — Santa Barbara City College’s (SBCC) School of Extended Learning is becoming known
for something other than its award-winning classes and curriculum … Staff, faculty
and students are also putting energy into planning events for the benefit of the Santa
Barbara community. Organizers have recently announced lectures on The Transformational
Power of Grief (Oct. 3) by Santa Barbara doctor Dave Cumes, M.D.; and Rewiring the
Human Aging Clock by UCSB’s Director and Founder, Center for Aging & Longevity Studies,
Joel Rothman (Nov. 14). Also announced, the popular SBCC School of Extended Learning
Arts & Crafts Fair (Dec. 5).
“The SBCC School of Extended Learning invites community members of all ages and backgrounds to explore a variety of topics of interest and to engage with concepts and ideas that affect their everyday lives,” said Rachel Walsh, “This speaker series is open to the public free of charge, reflecting the SBCC School of Extended Learning’s mission to make lifelong learning accessible to our community.”
“The SBCC School of Extended Learning invites community members of all ages and backgrounds to explore a variety of topics of interest and to engage with concepts and ideas that affect their everyday lives,” said Rachel Walsh, “This speaker series is open to the public free of charge, reflecting the SBCC School of Extended Learning’s mission to make lifelong learning accessible to our community.”
LECTURE: The Transformational Power of Grief
Explore the powerful journey of grief and discover pathways toward healing, resilience,
and transformation
Speaker: David Cumes, M.D. — A Western-trained surgeon steeped in the allopathic paradigm of medicine and also initiated as a sangoma (African shaman). He is a bridge between Western medicine and indigenous healing wisdom.
Date & Time: Saturday, October 3, 10 a.m.-noon
Location: SBCC Schott Campus; 310 W. Padre Street
Light refreshments available.
Since inception, polarity has been present in various guises, including grief and happiness. Learn how to honor, manage and subordinate the maladies that affect body, mind and spirit including; pessimism, “learned helplessness,” guilt (survivors as well), shame, the Broken Heart Syndrome, the role of a negatively-primed subconscious and their resulting toxic emotions.
Website davidcumes.com
Speaker: David Cumes, M.D. — A Western-trained surgeon steeped in the allopathic paradigm of medicine and also initiated as a sangoma (African shaman). He is a bridge between Western medicine and indigenous healing wisdom.
Date & Time: Saturday, October 3, 10 a.m.-noon
Location: SBCC Schott Campus; 310 W. Padre Street
Light refreshments available.
Since inception, polarity has been present in various guises, including grief and happiness. Learn how to honor, manage and subordinate the maladies that affect body, mind and spirit including; pessimism, “learned helplessness,” guilt (survivors as well), shame, the Broken Heart Syndrome, the role of a negatively-primed subconscious and their resulting toxic emotions.
Website davidcumes.com
LECTURE: Rewiring the Human Aging Clock- The Science of Aging
A lecture and discussion on advances in the science of aging and emerging technologies
that may soon slow or even reverse age-related decline.
Speaker: Joel Rothman — Director and Founder, Center for Aging & Longevity Studies, and Distinguished Professor of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, and the Wilcox Family Chair in Biotechnology.
Date & Time: Saturday, November 14, 1-3 p.m.
Speaker: Joel Rothman — Director and Founder, Center for Aging & Longevity Studies, and Distinguished Professor of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, and the Wilcox Family Chair in Biotechnology.
Date & Time: Saturday, November 14, 1-3 p.m.
Location: Business and Communications Forum; West Cliff Campus, 721 Cliff Drive
Reception immediately following the event.
The presentation examines what science tells us about how our own behaviors, from diet and exercise to creative and cultural engagement, can meaningfully alter healthy longevity. It will then explore groundbreaking innovations including gene therapies, cellular reprogramming, AI-driven discovery, and anti-aging vaccines. Professor Rothman will also invite participants to consider the profound personal and societal questions these discoveries raise, from equitable access to how greatly extended, healthier lives will reshape identity, family and retirement. Audience discussion and Q&A will be included throughout. The program is roughly two hours, including a 15-20 minute break.
Please RSVP here: https://evite.me/pf6bg94ZDh
Reception immediately following the event.
The presentation examines what science tells us about how our own behaviors, from diet and exercise to creative and cultural engagement, can meaningfully alter healthy longevity. It will then explore groundbreaking innovations including gene therapies, cellular reprogramming, AI-driven discovery, and anti-aging vaccines. Professor Rothman will also invite participants to consider the profound personal and societal questions these discoveries raise, from equitable access to how greatly extended, healthier lives will reshape identity, family and retirement. Audience discussion and Q&A will be included throughout. The program is roughly two hours, including a 15-20 minute break.
Please RSVP here: https://evite.me/
EVENT: SBCC School of Extended Learning Arts & Crafts Fair
Noncredit students will sell their beautiful, handcrafted artwork that they created
in their classes at SBCC’s School of Extended Learning. Fun for the whole family!
Date & Time: Saturday, Dec 5, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Location: Wake Campus, 300 N Turnpike Road
Food available for purchase by Chef Rene.
The annual SBCC School of Extended Learning Arts & Crafts Fair showcases the talents of more than 50 student artists who bring their handmade creations to life through the skills they develop in SEL’s arts, crafts, and creative programs. A dedicated student committee plays a central role in organizing and hosting the fair, developing crucial skills in leadership, collaboration, event planning, and community-building skills.
The Arts & Crafts Fair has become a valued SEL tradition because it brings together students, families, community members, and local supporters to celebrate creativity at every stage of life. It provides our student artists with the opportunity to share their work, gain confidence, connect with the community, and experience the pride of seeing their creations appreciated and supported.
Handcrafted fine art, paintings, ceramics, jewelry, weaving, sewing and fabric art, cards, and so much more will be available for purchase.
For more School of Extended Learning events, visit: https://www.sbcc.edu/extendedlearning/calendarevents.php
Date & Time: Saturday, Dec 5, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Location: Wake Campus, 300 N Turnpike Road
Food available for purchase by Chef Rene.
The annual SBCC School of Extended Learning Arts & Crafts Fair showcases the talents of more than 50 student artists who bring their handmade creations to life through the skills they develop in SEL’s arts, crafts, and creative programs. A dedicated student committee plays a central role in organizing and hosting the fair, developing crucial skills in leadership, collaboration, event planning, and community-building skills.
The Arts & Crafts Fair has become a valued SEL tradition because it brings together students, families, community members, and local supporters to celebrate creativity at every stage of life. It provides our student artists with the opportunity to share their work, gain confidence, connect with the community, and experience the pride of seeing their creations appreciated and supported.
Handcrafted fine art, paintings, ceramics, jewelry, weaving, sewing and fabric art, cards, and so much more will be available for purchase.
For more School of Extended Learning events, visit: https://www.sbcc.edu/
